2024 SUMMER PROGRAMS
Click the link for Program Schedule and details
Workshops
Community Field Sketching Group with Kristin Link: June 11, July 9, August 6 & 13
Kristin Link leads a local sketching group on Tuesdays from 4-6pm (location varies).
Insight Outside: A Contemplative Nature Writing Weekend with Michelle Latvala: August 3 & 4
Last year's one-day workshop was so successful, we are expanding it this year to a two-day workshop! Don’t miss this special workshop that integrates nature writing, meditative walking, and personal reflection into a full weekend immersed in the wild nature around McCarthy. Everyone is welcome. No previous experience is needed.
Community Events
Workday Party - May 25, 9am - 4pm
Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend with WMC friends and show the Old Hardware Store some love. All skill levels welcome! Bring gloves (if you have ‘em), water bottle, and a smile. We’ll provide lunch and a gaggle of your WMC friends.
Spring Bird Walk with Mark Vail - May 26 @ 8am
We continue the annual tradition of walking with Mark Vail as he brings to life the fascinating social world of the summer birds who live in the Wrangell Mountains. Meet in front of the Old Hardware Store. The walk will leave promptly at 8am. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. $10 suggested donation.
“Rocks and Ice” Geology Presentation with Mike Loso - June 6 @ 7pm
A part of our Summer Arts & Lecture Series: Join Mike Loso, Wrangell St-Elias National Park Service Geologist, for an overview of the geologic history of the Kennicott Valley and an update on latest findings about the Kennicott Glacier. His talk is open to the public, and is aimed towards guides, interpreters, pilots, NPS staff, and others interested in learning more about local area geology and sharing it with friends and visitors. The presentation will be held at the Kennecott Recreation Hall. Suggested donation: $10-$20.
UAF International Summer School in Glaciology Presentation - June 13
A part of our Summer Arts & Lecture Series: University of Alaska Fairbanks students of the International Summer School in Glaciology will hold a presentation at the Kennecott Recreation Hall. Suggested donation: $10.
Artist in Residence Community Engagement - June 16th
We welcome paper artist, Star Padilla and muralist Addie Boswell to share their community engagements towards the end of our two week residency. Visit our Artist in Residence page to learn more about their work. Time and location TBD. Suggested donation: $10-$20.
Word Jams - June 23, July 7, July 21, August 4
Sundays at 6pm. Join us in the Great Room at the Old Hardware Store every other Sunday for a night of open mic - WMC style - storytelling, poetry, song, comedy, skits, and any creative venture involving words. Come hungry! We will serve finger-style dinner for sale before the event. Stay tuned for our menus.
Stories of Our Landscape - July 27 & 28
A part of our Summer Arts & Lecture Series: During this two day weekend event, participants will engage with the inspirational, cultural, and foundational relationships to place in the Wrangell Mountains through community discussion, and presentations in the arts and sciences. In collaboration with NPS, community discussion facilitated by geologist, Mike Loso, and with special guest and Hereditary Clan Leader, Wilson Justin. Suggested donation: $20-$30.
Interdependence Day!! - July 4
Join us at the WMC as we celebrate the intimate interconnections that make our lives rich: our connections to place, our community, and our connection to ourselves.
Pancake Fundraiser: July 4, 8am in conjunction with the McCarthy-Kennecott Museum
Post-Parade Fundraiser Lunch and Bake Sale: July 4, 12pm - Join us after the downtown parade for a bite.
Wrangell Mountains Storytelling Festival - August 9-11
This charmed, grassroots event is held at The Old Hardware Store and the Glacier View campground on McCarthy’s west side, where local storytellers congregate to spin yarns, share lies and half-truths as well as tell honest-to-god true and incredible stories leaving the audience never quite clear on whether they have heard a true story or a tall tale. This event is the talk of the town every summer.
Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run - Sunday, Sept 1, Noon
A race unlike any other through the largest National Park in America. Race starts at McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters (aka As The Glacier Melts Coffee & Ice Cream Shop) on the West Side (Mile 59 of the McCarthy Road). The route goes up to Kennecott National Historic Landmark and back down to historic, downtown McCarthy and follows gravel, dirt roads and packed dirt trails. $30 per person registration; $15 under 16. Proceeds benefit the WMC. Register online or at the starting line. Race starts at noon; registration opens at 11 am.
Youth Programming
Geology Camp (Youth) - July 23-26
The WMC partners with WISE (Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment) to host this unique, immersive program for youth ages 12-16. Participants hear from geologists and naturalists, camp next to the Root Glacier, explore the glacier, and have plenty of time to connect with their peers. Space is limited so please contact sabrina@wrangells.org if you have interest in signing up your child.
Academic Programming
The Wrangell Mountains Field Studies Program is now partnered with the University of Maine School of Earth Sciences. Together we are offering a 7 week and 6 credit course to students from all over the world. Students will spend a total of 3 weeks on our campus and 4 weeks in the backcountry, led by instructors Kristin Link, and UMaine PhD students, Joey Boots-Ebenfield and Inga Kindsedt. The program will offer a public presentation on our campus towards the end of the course. The program runs from June 22 - August 10.
Residency
Meg Hunt Artist in Residence: This is one of our most beloved art programs, a two-week artist residency program, an immersive creative experience in North America’s largest National Park. The Wrangell Mountains Residency Program aims to support artists of all genres, writers, and inquiring minds. We invite applicants with creative and inquisitive minds who will both add to and benefit from the interdisciplinary efforts at our community hub in McCarthy, Alaska and the surrounding Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. In 2024 we will host four residencies: June 5-19 and July 30 - August 13. Applications are now closed.
Podcast & Virtual Events
End of The Road Podcast: We explore the unique stories that shape our lives, out here in the remote Wrangell Mountains. Listen to Season 4, out now!
For more information, please email sabrina@wrangells.org or call 907-554-1500
You can check out past programs and events here.
Photo by Paul Scannell